Broken Arrow School Bus Driver Showing Kids Kindness Counts

Sometimes the greatest lessons a child learns in school don't come in the classroom.

The day is just getting started at the Landrum's house in Broken Arrow.

8-year-old Hutch and 4-year-old Edyn are both on virtual learning plans, but yet they're outside waiting for the school bus. 

Edyn's never even been on a school bus, but she loves the song classic children's song "Wheels on the Bus" and a little school bus is her favorite toy. It was a gift from her brother's school bus driver.

"I wanted to get her something because she was so excited to see the bus every day. And I thought, 'What better than a small school bus,'" said bus driver Danny O'Brien.

The kids call him Bus Driver Danny, and they've made a quite an impact on him.

"The kids just change you. They make the job really rewarding," said O'Brien.

He's been the route 149 driver in Broken Arrow the past four years. His bus feels more like home with lights hanging next to works of art created by his precious cargo.

"They're amazing kids. They do amazing things every day," O'Brien said.

The same can be said of Danny, who makes going to and from school more than just a bus ride for his students.

"He teaches the kids how to respect each other, how to not interrupt. He teaches them manners as well. He does it in a fun way that's fun for the kids," said Lindsey Landrum.

"He goes out of his way because he's got a huge heart," Lindsey's husband Cristan said.

Cristan and Lindsey's son Hutch, is one of those kids, but this year there are no school bus rides for Hutch because he's on a virtual learning plan. He's playing his part to help keep his sister, Edyn, safer during the pandemic.

"How COVID can effect some people with milder symptoms, it could be life-threatening for her," said Lindsey.

Edyn was born with Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes developmental delays and possible heart problems. It also comes with big some positives: bright, happy personalities.         

"She just has the ability to spread more joy than I've ever known possible," said Lindsey. "Williams Syndrome people are very social and they need that social aspect, so that is one of the challenges of keeping them home from school and she wants to be with her friends."

So this school year, Bus Driver Danny is bringing Edyn and Hutch's friends to them.

Every morning the greeting is the same, and so is Edyn's reaction

"Good morning Edyn! Good morning Hutch," the students on the bus yell from the windows while waving to the Landrums.

"Edyn just gets so excited and starts jumping up for joy every time she sees the school bus turn the corner," said Lindsey.

It's the same excitement Bus Driver Danny and his students feel each time they make it to the Landrum's street.

"If you can start your day making other people smile, it starts your day off right," said O'Brien. "We try to talk about that it doesn't have to stop on our bus, continue it when you get into school."

But it's clear the lessons start on the bus with Danny teaching the kids a little kindness goes a long way.

"We try to talk about respect, good character, being honest, understanding, being generous," said O'Brien. "I'm proud of the things we're doing here on this bus. I may not be teaching them math, science or history, but hopefully I'm teaching them valuable lessons that are just as important and meaningful that they can take with them as adults."

O'Brien said Broken Arrow is looking to hire more bus drivers now. You can learn my by calling 918-259-4550.